Bloody Minded Episode 84 - Chemotherapeutic Boogaloo | AML Part 2
Mar 31, 2026
Dr Georgina Calov, final‑year haematology registrar from New South Wales, gives concise, high-yield teaching on acute myeloid leukemia. Topics include how genetic mutations define AML subtypes, diagnostic workup from marrow to molecular testing, risk stratification and MRD, and practical treatment pathways for fit and unfit patients including induction, consolidation, venetoclax regimens, transplant decisions, and emerging therapies.
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AML Is Many Different Diseases
- AML is a diverse set of diseases defined by driver mutations or differentiation, not a single entity.
- Georgina Calov explains WHO categories: fusion-driven, rearrangements, solo driver mutations (NPM1/CEBPA), and MDS-related AMLs with specific cytogenetics.
Therapy Related AML Has Worse Biology
- AML after cytotoxic therapy behaves differently with poorer outcomes even without high-risk markers.
- These cases often show complex karyotypes and high TP53 mutation rates and are classified separately as therapy-related AML.
Order A Full AML Diagnostic Panel Quickly
- Send comprehensive tests on bone marrow to classify AML: morphology, flow, karyotype, FISH and molecular panels.
- Prioritise rapid single-gene tests (eg FLT3, NPM1) for turnaround while awaiting NGS and RNA fusion testing.